





': - '^, 







''^'^^^^^ 



■..^^>^-W" 






or 



TIR¥irH, 



II 



T 



ai^^/ G/taumati 



tc/. 




RUDD & CARLETON, 130 GRAND STREET. 
MDCCCLXI. 



^ 



f^ 



ty.^P^J 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by 

In the Clerk's Office o* the District Court of the United 
States fcr the Southern District of New York. 



2 3S~S 3 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



€>miuU. 



Advanced in Life 30 

Admiration 30 

Acquaintance 32 

Advice 34 

As Gently Falls 44 

As Age Entwines 45 

Admonition 57 

A Night Thought 59 

Adieu 65 

An Interrogation Point 69 

All is for Thee 74 

All Is for the Best 75 

As Soars the Eagle 79 

Be Thou as Kind 22 

Beware 38 

Bereavement 40 

Before Marriage 55 

Bridal Q5 

Blasted Hopes Q5 

Bre vis ~ 72 

Christian Eesignation 22 

Consolation 27 

Constancy 35 

Contentment 52 

Coquetry 55 

Charity 57 

Cupid and the Rose 62 

Christian Duty 84 

Delight [. 24 

Dedication 27 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Deceived 28 

Despair 35 

Dost Love .' 36 

Dedication 37 

Departure 45 

Dedication 47 

Dear Wife 51 

Dedication 57 

Disappointed Love 64 

Dedication 67 

Dear Sister 71 

Dedication 77 

Dark Thoughts 83 

Eloquence of Silence 19 

Eternal Bliss 22 

Ecstacy 46 

Experience 61 

Eloquent Eyes 61 

Espoused 73 

Esteem 78 

Furled 39 

Friendship 42 

Friendship Mutable 56 

Friendship's Reward 58 

Friendship Unfathomable 62 

For Thou Dear Friend 72 

Forget Me 79 

For Thy Sake 83 

First Love S6 

Grief 29 

Gladden Her Path 56 

Give Me A Friend 78 

Go Forth 86 

How Sad It Is 20 

Have Pity 24 

Honor 35 

Hope and Truth 41 

How I Would Die 76 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Home 82 

Happy He 85 

Impromptu 18 

I've Dwelt 21 

I Ask Thee Not 21 

I'll Not Forget 23 

I Know Thee Not 23 

Infinite Love 29 

Important 29 

If I Should Say 33 

Invalid 43 

In Sadness 52 

If Thou Hast A Friend 55 

I Think of Thee 59 

I Cannot Say More 60 

I Am Your Friend 72 

Impending Strife 74 

Influence 78 

Indisposition 79 

Just Hint Reproof 26 

Judge Me 38 

Justice 66 

Judge Thou 82 

Kind Wishes 41 

Kalos 58 

Love 17 

Love's Influence 18 

Love's Resurrection , 20 

Let Friendship Pure 23 

Love Doubted 28 

Life Is Short 50 

Look Not Back 61 

Love Desired 70 

Lingering Sweets 84 

Life A Mystery 85 

'Mid Toil and Care 36 

Music 37 

My Daughter 46 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Maternal Bereavement 81 

May Every Joy 85 

Not Beautiful 26 

No Tender Thought 68 

Neglect 71 

Not Joy but Strife 83 

Nuptial 84 

Oh, Would That 1 36 

Our Youth Has Fled 70 

Peace Be Thine 32 

Past Delight 38 

Proposal 45 

Prove That You Take It 48 

Parental 48 

Promise - 53 

Pure Woman's Love 53 

Prayer 53 

Parting Words 59 

Pen, Ink and Paper 68 

Prayer for Health 76 

Prove True 80 

Quodlibet 24 

Quip 25 

Reciprosity , 30 

Eejoioe 37 

Rapture 44 

Regret 47 

Remembrance 56 

Retirement 69 

Rejected Love 75 

Sympathy Is Joy 19 

Still True 27 

Slighted Friendship 28 

Swerve Not 39 

So Live 40 

Scholastic 43 

Secret Thought 47 

Sweet Bondage 50 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Sympathy 63 

Sadness 66 

Saddn'd Joy 67 

So Does Thy Voice 70 

Seeking A Friend 71 

Sacrifice , 73 

Such Bliss as Oar's 74 

Sad Thoughts 77 

Sweet Memories 77 

Summon A Tear 80 

Secret Hope 81 

So Love Thou Me 82 

'Tis Bliss to Have 18 

Through Joy and Grief 5>6 

Then Pause and Think 31 

Thy Will Be Done 33 

The Wife 34 

Though to Another 39 

Think of Me 41 

Three Words 48 

Tell Me 49 

There is An Hour. 50 

The Double State 51 

Thouglits of the Past 54 

Trace One Thought 60 

That Power is God 62 

Tired of Life 64 

Two Wishes 64 

'Tis Well at Times 66 

Thy Voice 75 

Time 80 

Think Not of Me 82 

Utopian 49 

Unknown 62 

Virtue and Truth 25 

Virulence 76 

What I Bring 19 

Well Be It So 20 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



What the Muse Said 2 

Woman's Smile 31 

What is the Use 31 

When Death Assails 32 

Where and What Is It 40 

Will Constant Wear 43 

Which Proves 46 

When Mind Denies 49 

Wait 54 

We May Be Friends 58 

Waiting 73 

Why So Sad 81 

Xeros 21 

Xanthippe 69 

Years Have Past 44 

Yield to Me 60 

Your Smile To Me 67 

Zealotry ,,,,,,,, 86 



Pi^rielliiiwiii^* 



Introduction 9 

Origin of the Album 10 

" Ten Commandments" to be Observed in Album- Writing . 12 

Hints ]3 



W:' 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



iiite0*wi^tl0ji. 



) N presenting this rolume to his patrons, the author feels 
confident, that he has supplied a need, long felt in the 
social circle, as it is obvious, that an Album Writer has 
now become an indispensable necessity among young 
people, which has never yet, to his knowledge, been met 
in any form whatever , and in consequence, the many who are 
at times so urgently requested by their friends, to " write in my 
Album," find themselves at fault, and many often compelled to 
select merely an ordinary poem — having no relation whatever to 
the writer, or the one to whom it is addressed, — simply because 
none other, more suitable, could just then be found. It is in view 
of these facts, that this collection of " gems" have been prepared 
with the utmost care, that every conceivable disposition, and 
condition of person may be suited ; a task far more difficult, and 
of greater magnitude than would at first glance appear, and in- 
volving, to a certain degree, a reiteration of sentiment, differing 
to all appearance, only in language or metrical construction, 
which cannot be avoided. This fact the critic should remem- 
ber, and not review this work as he would an epic, or even a 
collection of miscellaneous poems, in which versatility is at 
least expected, and anything like a repetition of thought, sen- 
timent, or imagery, is to be carefully avoided ; for this is no 
such collection of poems, and therefore must not be condemned, 
for a marked peculiarity, which he, who reads to select, will the 
most commend. With these few necessary remarks, the work 
is submitted, without further hesitation, to all those who feel 
interested, " May their name be Legion !" 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



#rtgitj of tto gvlljum. 



) CCORDING to Brand, the Album originated among the 
Romans, and almost coeval with their earliest history. 
It appears to have been a custom among them, to record 
the edics of the Praetor — or Magistrate,— on a ivhite board, 
or slab ofs/one, called the " PRiETOR's Album" — derived 
from Albus, meaning white, — for the information of the public 
functionaries, and thus promulgated to the people, who held its 
precepts in almost as much reverence as we do those of the Bible. 
It afterwards became a sort of Register, on which the names of 
all public oflficials, and all government documents were recorded 
and preserved. Thisof course was anterior to the most primitive 
form of printing. This custom seems to have been then in- 
troduced by them into other countries^ and thus descended to 
the Gauls, and so in the course of time adopted by several 
European powers as a *' Court Register" in which the auto- 
graphs of all foreigners of distinction, and celebrated persons 
who were admitted to Sovereign presence, were with all due 
formality entered, as in our public institutions of the present day. 
This was when the white boards, and slabs of stone were en- 
tirely interdicted, and the Album had become a noble 
volume of vellum, bound in carved board covers, beautifully 
ornamented and secured with clasps of gold. Like all other 
fashions and forms countenanced by Royal favor, this of the 
Album soon became a source of individual gratification and 
emulation, though confined to the several Courts of Europe. 
Immense sums were at times expended upon it ; and thus was 
it presented to the noble visitors and friends to receive their 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



autographs, to which the writer sometimes appended a few brief 
words of gratulatioD, or perhaps some gracious compliment 
in the shape of a couplet, if the writer chanced to be a poet, 
or the friend of a poet, it did not matter which, so long as the 
owner of the autograph received the credit, which was always 
the case. And thus it passed from the Court, to the nobility 
in general, until these latter days, when we find it, from being a 
means of disseminating magistral edicts, and the primeval 
form of public record, the receptacle cf kind words of" Love, 
Friendship, Sympathy, and Truth," from the Relative, the 
Friend, or the Lover, as it chance may be, and the favorite casket 
of the ladies of all nations — none more than our own, who hold it 
almost as sacred, as the Romans did tleir " Pr&ior Album," 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 






^ HINKING it may not be out of place, a few Rules and 
Hints, are herewith given, for general observance. The 
rules have been suggested in the preparation of this 
volume, as also by the fact, that they are almost invar- 
iably neglected by Album Writers, who seem to consider 
them of secondary importance. The hints, are such, as have 
been found to meet general approval. 

Allow none but your best friends to contribute. 

Be brief and perspicuous in all you write. 

Care should be taken with the punctuation. 

Do not fail to use quotation points (see p. 40,) where the con- 
tribution is not original. 

Emphasize all particular paragraphs or words, by drawing 
one or two lines beneath them. 

Fail not to Dedicate the Album — on the first page — before you 
present it. 

Give strict attention to the rule, that what you write is 
written with the greatest possible skill, and beyond all question 
grammatical. 

Hold the Album no longer in your possession than is ab- 
solutely necessary to insert your contribution. 

In no case extend the privilege of contributing to your 
friends, without the express consent, or at the request of the owner. 

Judicious selection — that what you write is only applicable 
to yourself or the one to whom it is addressed — is of the first 
importance. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM 



mu. 



PRESSED leaf or flower, if of pa~(icular interest, is 
sometimes inserted, by making two orifices in the pafi:e, 
and neatly inserting the stem. 
Clusters of cards are usually drawn on several pages, 
for autographs, designed according to taste. 
Specimens of skill with the pencil are often contributed, as 
meraontos by the skillful. 

Small photographs, prepared by an artist for the purpose, are 
now sometimes inserted, over the article or autograph con- 
tributed. A drop of mucilage will keep them in place. 

These hints form graceful additions to the Album, on'y when 
followed with discretion. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 17 



§nt. 



And such is woman's love, 
That when once 'rousGd within her trusting heart, 
It knows no bounds in pleasure, or in pain ; 
She f jels such gratitude to him she loves, 
That any sacrifice is none too great 
For her to make, before this shrine of worth, 
By her erected, and by her preserved / 
Her rich imagination first depicts, 
In colors bright, a form so beautiful, 
With attributes so high, that soon her soul 
Unconsciously of it an idol makes, 
And low before it bows in ceaseless praise, 
And adoration so exalted, that 
She loses all of self— aye, e'en forgets 
The sin committed 'gainst the Lord, who saith : — 
" No other God before me shall thou havCf 
N'or any graven image shalf thou make, 
That is in heaven above, or earth beneath ; 
Nor shalt thou bow thyself before them down, 
To serve Ihcm, or to worship them, as Me /" 

In the great fulness of her love, 
She seeks, and finds it in her ev'ry joy, 
The object and completion of her life, 
The grand perfection of her better self. 
And for the consummation of this end, 
She, without murmuring will patient bear, 
More than her measure of what ive call woe. 
And laugh at obstacles, which would appal 
The stoutest heart of man — the type of strength — 
Because she suffers for the one she loves ! 



18 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



An unseen pow'r there is, that binds 

The tendrils of the human heart, 
Thus souls in silence oft commune, 

Tho' space may hold them far apart ; 
So let it be, with thou, and I, 

Though fate perchance may sever ; 
That unseen tie, shall faithful bind 

My heart to thine, for ever. 

A place in thy mem'ry, 

A prayer in thy heart, 
A smile at our greeting, 

A tear when we part ; 
Is all that I ask — or, 

A true friend can give ; 
These, thou shalt have ever, 

So long as I live. 

'Tis bliss, to have a dear loved friend, 

One whom the heart doth choose. 
To whom we can disclose the soul. 

And in whose joys, our woes we lose : 
'Tis sweeter still to have him near, 

When life seems worthless, vain, and cold, 
That he may to his strong true heart, 

Our aching brow in comfort fold. 
Such friend be thou, my future share. 

Be thine my joy ! — and mine thy care I 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 19 



Thy sympathy is joy : — thy friendship a treasure, 
Both yield to existence celestial pleasure, 
Thy smib so alluring, with sweets overflowing, 
While it adds to thy charms, new joy is bestowing. 
Ah ! happy is he, who this treasure possesses. 
It makes glad the heart, while the soul it caresses. 
Gives tone to each tho't, when the mind is most fet'r'd ; 
In fine — by thy presence, my whole being is bet'r'd ! 

mux i irtB0. 

Some bring you flowers to adorn, 

Your bosom and your hair ; 
While others tender brilliant gems. 

More valuable than fair : 
I bring no gem by lucre bought, 

Nor bud from Nature's bower. 
But fjivc you, Friendship pure and strong. 

Worth more than gem, or flower ! 

Oft' when the heart would tell the most. 

The tongue lies dumb and still ; 
Yet with vain flattery ai.d boast, 

Huge tomes, the fool might fill ! 
Thus dumb am I : — for though my mind. 

And heart are deeply stirr'd. 
With tender scenes— and thoughts of thee, 

I can not write a word. 
Let silence then, plead my sweet cause, 
I wait thine answer, and — here pause. 



20 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Wtll i* it jg«. 

Well, be it so : — no more shall I, 
Seek to distress thee with my woe ; 

Our plighted troth, thou'lt soon forget, 
And on the past, no thought bestow. 

I ne'er can love again, my hearts too true 
To thee, whom I once deemed so fair, 
Possessed of soul 'twould patient bear, 
My woes — and joys as gladly share, 

E'en all eternity through : — 
Alas ! I was deceived, and now must sever 
Our love . — Farewell, we part for ever I 

Ah ! well it all at length is o'er, 
The pang of dissolution now is past. 
But why, in pity, hath not God ordained, 
That love, a resurrection too should know ? 
For then, how glad would be the soothing tho't, 
That I, through all eternity might live, 
And quaff again the bliss thy smile once gave. 

i«rw M& it M»- 

How sad it is, at eve to sit, 

And watch the twilight coming on ; 
And mark the shadows as they flit. 

But a short time and then are gone : 
So like to friends in childhood met, 

Who flutter in life's early day; 
So like to them — they soon forget, 

And pass as ev'ning shades away ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 21 



Thou art on memory a blot, 

Which mu t each act of mine control, 
In losing thee, I've lost my life, 

And may, perchance, lose mere — wy soul! 
Would thou hadst taught me but to hate, 

Had taught my heart /him own disdain^ 
Had turned its warmest tide to ice, 

As thou hast turned each joy^ to pain. 

i %%i mu i0t. 

I ask thee not for words of love, 

By fond affection taught, 
For they, alas ! have ceased to please, 

And to me now are naught. 
For I am old — my pulse beat slow. 

My blood can ne'er regain. 
The warmth of youth — nor e'er be stir'd 

By passions wilful flame : 
Be thou to me, a dear loved child, 

All innocence and truth, 
And I'll assume a father's charge. 

And bless thy joyous youth. 

W^t J writ 

I've dwelt in many a foreign clime, 

And sailed o'er many a sea ; 
I've won from pouting lips a smile, 

While fond eyes beamed on me, 
But naught hath proved so blissful e'er, 
As one fond word from thee, my dear. 



22 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



God gave man gems and jewels rare, 
He gave him light, he gave him air, 
And ail that earth possesses lair, 

To cheer life's fleeting hour : 
But Lone so sweet, ol'all he gave. 
For which the soi .1 of man doth crave, 

As Friendship's hallow'd po-Aer: 
Be thou as kind as God, and bless 
Me with thy frie..dshiy's fond caress ! 

Ah ! may your life, fair maiden, be 
A dream, from care and sorrow free ; 
May ev'ry joy that love can yield, 
Be to guiless heart revealed ; 
May faith, and nope, and wisdom lead, 
While o'er life's trackless tide you speed, 
Until the voyage of life is done, 
And you eternal bliss have won I 



Who can this weary life enjoy. 

Where all is griet and endless woe? 
Where all is cons ant care and strife, 

A I d fear of death — man's dreaded foe? 
To me 'tis sweet to contemplate. 

My pending flight from earth to heav'n, 
Where peace, and joy, my soul awaits, 

And endless life, through Christ is giv'n ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 23 

i ia»M> mu lot. 

I know thee not, yet gladly drop, 

An ink-gem on this pure white sheet, 
So that if Me, in future years, 

Should ever chance, as friends, to meet, 
May know each other, by the sign, 

I now in candor give to thee, 
May St thou he happy, till we greety 

Be that hut in eternity, 

g'll §01 lufflrt. 

We all have moments when the heart, 

From life, turns with disdain ; 
And in communings sweet with self. 

Forgets each worldly pain ; 
Remembers only friends, and scenes, 

Forever from us fled. 
Like jewels precious, long since lost. 

Or hopes laid with the dead, — 
O'er which we drop a silent tear. 

Of sorrow and regret, 
At such a moment, think of me, 

For I'll not thee forget. 



Let Friendship pure, with magic might. 
Wield o'er your soul its sweet delight, 

And be your guiding star : 
For of life's charms, it is the best, 
'Twill cheer, and sooth your heart to rest. 

No matter where you are. 



24 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



The flowrets fair, are prized by thee, 

While blooming', dear, in Juno ; 
Thou lovest their bright velvet folds, 

And gladdening perfume, 
E'en so do I, them highly prize. 

Still, of all flowrets bright, 
Thou art the fairest lo ray gaze, 

My soul's endear 'd delight. 

They say I am graceful, 

Accomplished, and fair ; 
But why possess beauty, 

Which no one will share ? 
My voice too — they flatter, 

Is charming and clear, 
But I'm weary of singing, 

When no beaux are near ! 
Will no one have pity 

On this poor lone ' ' dear F" 



Thou badest me live, when Health's fair hand 

With ruddy color ting'd thy cheek. 
When youth was thine, and impulse high 

From lip, and eye, did ever .speak ; 
And live I will, for thee, and lo^e, 

While ambition prompts me to dare 
All — even death — that I may win, 

A name, most fating thee to wear. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM 25 

0! Muse, 
Of all tlie themes that ever swept thy lyre, 
And filled the poet's soul with metred fire. 
There's none, so all important as this last, 
Which chance, upon its golden strings hath cast I 
I've called the oft' unto mine humble aid. 
And sweet petitions 'fore thy presence laid, 
Presenting always, for thy tunesome lyre, 
Such themes as only poet's heart inspire, 
All worthy of thy favor, and thy care. 
Because pathetic, joyous, grand, or fair ; 
Yet ne'er before — this I most sagely vow — 
Was ever Muse, so honored, as art thou, 
By this, my last appeal, which to be brief, 
Is to indite a gem, upon this leaf. 
There, that's the boon : — now, say what shall it be, 
Muse speaks, dear friend, and says : vi prmjer J or thee P 

Prize thou thy virtue, and thy truth, 
More than thou doest the bloom of youth ; 
For beauty's bloom must soon decay. 
While truth, and virtue, live for aye ! 

To those who may chance o'er these pages to glancg, 

I would say, mistake not the aim. 
Of the cat, whose poor paw, was once used to draw, 

The hot nuts from out cf the flame, 

That's just my case. 



26 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Pray keep rmj merrCry green, oh ! Lordj 

Such is my constant prayer ; 
I'd have not e'en one green leaf fade. 

That blooming once was there , 
Oh! let it as the am'ranth be, 

E'er blooming fresh and gay, 
'Till my mortality hath ceased. 

And past, my soul a a ay. 
For so would I, remember thee, dear friend. 
Through joy and sorrow, ever to the end. 

ist iaittlJttl. 

Thou hast not beauty, hast not grace, 

To win the world to thee, 
But thou hast intellect supreme, 

And sweet simplicity : 
Which proves, thou canst to love impart 
A spellf that wins both head and heart. 



Mmt lilt iiepr00l 

Wilt recollect me should despair 

My heart distress, — 
When every hope I once had known. 
Has to some other bosom flown, 

To cheer and bless ? 
Wilt then, pretend to doubi my love^ 

And stand aloof? 
And where you now so kindly laud. 
For sorrows shared, and joys restored, 

Just hint reproof ? 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



iielliai;ti0i. 



Within, perhaps, you'll find a gem, 

That may emotion wake, 
But should you find much less to move. 

Esteem all for the sake, — 
Of those, who have in years long gone, 

Laid thus, their heart all bare. 
In words of love, of hope, and joy, 

Or breathed for thee a prayer ! 
If thus you'll view their crude attempts^ 

Their faults as kind excuse, 
I'll Dedicate, without a sigh, 

This Book, to thee, and Muse. 

Dear friend, I'd whisper to thy soul, 

A word of consolation sweet, 
Thus drive the canker from thy heart, 

Made but for Love's, and Joy's retreat; 
'Tis this : — I'd tell thee that thou hast, 

More friends who dearly love thee now, 
Than what thou hadst, before with grief, 

Thy soul was made thus low to bow ! 

mm iw*. 

Though thy pure heart may be anothers, 
Though mine, thou now canst never be, 

Still I will love thee, fond and truly, 
Aiud my last prayer be said for thee. 

My life is now a " desert drear," 

Which was all bliss, while thou wert near ! 



28 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Oil ! friendship pure, alas ! how oft art thou, 
Tho' fixed by intent — ay, and seal'd by vow, 
Like flowers blooming, which we pluck to-da 
To be to-morrow cast unmourned away. 

'§mt §mWL 

Me' thought I once had won thy love, 

Which to me was divine, 
But now, when 'pon thy brow I gaze, 

I fear no more tis mine ; 
For sadness is imprinted where. 

Pure love for me, should beam. 
Ay, e'en thy voice and glance declare, 

Our love to be a dream, — 
A dream, which hath delusive prov'd, 

For oh ! my heart doth feel, 
The waking anguish of that state, 

I now, am sure, is real ! 
Were it not better, then to rend 

The bond, so false and flee 
Each others hate ? — I spurn the heart 

That loves — as Loved thou me I 

1 never more could love thee now, 
Tho' Beauty with her trancing art, 

Arrayed thee in the fairest charms, 
That ev3r won a faithful heart. 

Yonr heart, of all, the best may tell. 
Why I now take this last — Farewell ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM 29 



Away — away ye senseless calls of life, 

Ye sordid passions, cease now to torment, 
That I may fit myself for this great task, 

'Pon which my mind, with energy is bent ! 
Oh ! Mammon now bow down your humble head, 

And thou, oh ! Mars, forgo thy bloody might, 
Let all the world astounded gaze, while I — 

Beneath these lines, my honor'd name indite ! 

(&tkL 

There is, in grief, a secret source of bliss, 

That bids one suffer with content. 
It sooths the soul, and heals the wounds, 

More than kind words of good intent. 
From it there emanates a secret pleasure, 
Which soothes the heart, beyond all measure. 
So bid me not dispel, the deep'ning gloom, 

E'en though by it I am controird; 
I do not murmur at my portion here. 

Imposed by Heav'n, in wisdom manifold. 
Though call thou it — "■ deep gloomy sorrow," 
I'd change it not, for thy false joy to-morrow. 

Sound thou the well of thy deep-thinking, 
Gird the boundless space of mind, 

And a precious store of wisdom, 
There secreted thou wilt find ; 

Search thou the heart, as mind, and tho't, abore, 

And in it thou wilt find — Infinite Love, 



30 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



The Crown of Beauty decks tliy brow, 
And Chastity dwells in thy breast , 

Before such charms, who would not bow, 
And deem thee of all others blest ? 

Let man seek lucre if he will, 

But I, before thee, worship still ! 

Support thyself upon me love. 

Our morn of life fore'er is past ; 
No more will the bright sun of youth, 

Its rays upon our life-way cast ; 
Our forms that once stood proud erect, 

Are now bow'd down with age and care, 
Thy brow is wrinkled that was once. 

So intellectual, and fair. 
Thine eyes that too were then so bright, 

Are sadly dim'd, tho' they still beam 
The love-light of our early youth. 

When thou so beautiful did seem. 
I knew my form like thine hath changed. 

For " weight of years " doth on me press ; 
Yet beauty gone, nor age, nor care, 

Can ever make our love the less. 



Share my Friendship — share my Fortune, 
Half of my Joy alike is yours, 

For I ask no sweeter portion, 
Than bliss, which such a gift ensures 1 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 31 



What is the use of sighing thus, 

While others constant smile ? 
They too, like thee, have felt life's ills, 

Its anguish, and its guile I 
So sigh no more, but firmly vow, 

To be for ever glad ; 
For tho' thy fate is drear — e'en that 

Of others, is as bad ! 

Hast seen the sun's refulgent rays, 

In gorg'ous halos shining through, 
Deep banks of clouds, while storm and rain, 

Hath drenched the earth, to bright renew 
Its teeming beauty, and revive 

Thy drooping form, and soft beguile 
Thy listless mind ? Such then to me, 

Is charming woman's love-lit smile 1 
'Tis this, in thee, which draws me to thy side, 
And makes me wish, there evermore to bide. 

W%m ^MM §^n& ilitefe. 

In happy moments, when thy heart, 

From grief, and care is free, 
When all seems beautiful and bright, 

Then pause, and think of me. 
For as the fragrance of the rose, 

Floats on the breath of morn, 
So will each joy thy spirit feels. 

To mine, be sweetly borne. 



32 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



If I had better known thy worth, 

By intimate connection, 
I could far better here indite, 

A hi art-gleam of affection ; 
But as that pleasure is denied, 

By circumstances dire, 
I may, at least, mark here my name, 

Thus intimate desire : — 
This not forbid, I will e'en wish. 

That thy fond heart may never, 
Know e'en one pang of fell regret, 

And bliss, be thine, for ever ! 

May peace be thine, and heart-felt gladness, 

Lume thy pathway here below. 
And may thy soul no pang of sadness. 

Ever know : 
May many friends beloved, and cherished, 

Bound thy hearthstone ever be, 
Still, prove they false, when joy hath vanished, 
Think of me. 



When death assails some dear lov'd friend, ^ 

And eye to light doth close, 
When tongue lies silent and denies, 

The last wish to disclose :— 
So on those hasty lines gaze, 
From one, wlw knew thee hut to praise. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM, 33 



"ilM Will i« i««." 

May ev'ry joy of earth be thine, 
May peace, and plenty, both combine, 

To cheer thee on thy way, 
Along life's toilsome rugged path, 
Where all, of woe, art doom'd to quaff, 

Till free'd of mortal clay : 
May faith supreme, thy course attend, 
And 'mid life's darkness ever lend. 

Thy soul its cheering light ; 
For through the anguish and the gloom, 
Which clouds our pathway to the tomb, 

'Twill lead thee ever right : 
And in the end, may cherish 'd hope 
Yield thee its joys, as spring buds 'ope 

Beneath a warming sun , 
Till when the hour of death draws nigh, 
Thy lips will breathe no ling'ring sigh, 

But say *' Thy will be done.'^ 



m 



If I should say — 7 dearly lovcd^ 

Of truth, Idlell but part; 
Yet if I said — I did not love, 

I would belie my heart : 
1 love, and yet, I do not love, 

With thee it must all rest, 
/ can be cold — if thou art cold, 

And blest — if thou art blest ; 
My heart, my life, my all is thine, 
If thou'lt but say — Thy love is mine. 



34 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM 



What tho' your youtli — what tho' your youth, 

Dear wife, from you has fled, 
And beauty — which before adorned, 

Is now for ever dead ? 
For your dark eyes yet clear retain, 

The light I loved so well ; 
Which proves that in your bosom, still 

Love's holy promptings dwell : 
What need we care — what need we care, 

That passion's sway is o'er, 
For in its place there now presides, 

This truth : / love thee more I 



E'en as night is succeeded, 

By bright gladsome day, 
So will ev'ry trouble, 

Pass from thee away : 
And fortune will greet thee, 

Desponder once more, 
Whilst joy, in thy sad heart, 

Its lucid streams pour ; 
For while ghastly despair. 

Stares thee in the face, 
Hope stands close beside thee, 

Waiting thy embrace; 
So welcome smiling Hope, 

And turn from Despair ; 
Thou 'It then find consolation, 

And a joy for each care. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 35 



Yeild forth, oh ! dormant brain thy praise, 

Inspire me heaven to give vent, 
In language sweet, to this pure thought, 

Which in my bosom now lies pent : 
Alas ! the task is more than I, 

Can ever hope to thus fulfil ; 
For language only now supplies 

These wovds,— Dear one £ love thee still' 

While in my silent room I sit, 

And muse with growing dread, 
Upon the past and coming years, 

Whence ev'ry hope hath fled, — 
I feel that it were best to die, 

Thus flee this world of grief; 
Oh ! friend, in mercy pity me — 

Oh ! God, give me relief! — 
Oh ! give me Hope— oh ! give me Joy, 
Lest grief, and w^oe, my soul destroy. 

'Tis not the Sword that 'lone confers. 

Real Honor on the good and brave ; 
For it, at best, can only give 

To man a Tide, or a — Grave / 
To honored be, is — he vpright, 

No matter what thy cdl may be ; 
To have a heart with justice armed. 

And soul, from sneaking malice free ! 



36 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



I'll think of thee, 'mid toil and care, 
'Mid pleasure, and 'mid gain ; 

I'll think of thee — the thought gives joy- 
When all else yields me pain. 

For when my weeping spirit turns, 
From sorrow deep, to thee, 

Then over Woe, my soul proclaims 
A blissful victory 1 



Oh ! would that I were dead, like namely 

Or that we ne'er had met. 
That my sad heart for e'er [ihename]f 

Thy image might forget ; 
For just so long as mind retains. 

One ling'ring thought of thee, 
My faithful sou], will lie in bonds 

While thine, alas ! art free — 
Thro' life to act, as best thou may. 

Forgetting always — Me ! 

Dost love, when silent midnight close 

About thy chamber windows draw 
Its sable folds, dost love to hear, 

Sweet music's strains into them pour, — 
To lull thy soul to calm repose, 

Or make thy saddened heart grow light ? 
Well, if thou dost, thou too must love. 

Fair woman^s smite — my soul's delight ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 37 



This Book, and all it may contain, 

To thee, I dedicate ; 
May ev'ry word, and ev'ry line. 

Thy heart tend to elate I 

What more could mortal ask or need, 

To make a heav'n of earth, 
Than this, best gift of God to man. 

When Minstrel's song had birth? 
But when its pathos touch the soul. 

Thro' woman's trancing pow'r, 
Then do we live an age of bliss, 

In one sweet vocal hour. 
Oh ! Queen of Song 1 thy pensive tones. 

Have touched my being's core. 
In memory I hear thee now, 

And hear, but to adore I 
Praised be the Being high, who gave 

To thee, that 'trancing pow'r, 
Which makes me live an age of bliss. 

In one sweet vocal hour. 

Hail ye with joy, acknowledged queen. 
Our queen of innocence and beauty ; 

Low at thy feet, we bow in praise. 
And there allege unceasing duty : 

Low bow each knee, in rapture raise each voice. 

Hail ye, oh ! queen, — exalted soul rejoice I 



33 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Oh ! fond loved friend,— oh ! happy hours. 

Canst never more return. 
To chase regret from out my heart, 

And dry the tears that burn 
E'en now, upon my grief-seared cheek, 

Whilst pass the hours of night ? 
Oh ! reason sleep ! — and bless me Heav'n 

With dreams of past delight ! 

Judge thou of ray friendship, vs^hSn care consumes,* 

Each hope that now dwells in my breast , 
Then watch thou my actions — my voice — my look, 
By each a true judgment's expressed j 
Judge thou thus of thyself. 
In that judgment confide, 
'Twill declare to thee that. 
Which the heart Jain would hide. 



strange are the many ways of God, 

And strange the fearful might. 
With which He wields correction's rod. 
To make the wrong go right. 

So have a care, 

Oh ! pray, beware. 
While seeking Heaven's goal. 

You lose not sight. 

Of what is right. 
And tho' gaining wealth — lose soul. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



39 



3wmt i0t. 

Walk thou with bold and wprignt step, 

Along life's rugged path of woe ; 
Thus thou wilt shun its dreaded strife, 

And to no yoke of mis'ry bow : 
Thy friends will greet thee with a smile, 

Thine enemies will fear to frown, 
While if ihou swerve^ all will unite, 

To thwart thy aim, and crush thee down I 



"JartM." 

If thou hast a mind, admiration to win, 

Let cv'ry body know it. 
Hide not thy talent beneath a napkin, 

But lift the rag, and show it ; 
So says the world I 
But if no mind thou dost possess, 

A still tongue may conceal it, 
While open mouth, and poor address, 

Will 'suredly reveal it I 

So keep it "/wr/erf." 

WUmb S0 gV»0ttot 

Though to another thou art given, 

Though thou but list to his loved voice, 
Still shall my heart thy mem'ry cherish. 

And dearly prize its gem so choice ; 
Though I thro' life alone may wander, 

Though some fond heart I chance may meet. 
Still shall thine image hallow" d linger. 

Around my heart, in mem'ry sweet I 



40 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



3o itof. 

" So live that when thou'rt called to die, 

Thy soul may soar away, 
Beyond the starry worlds on high, 

Where re gns eternal day." 
Thus shouldst thou keep the soul which God, 

Hath to thee, dear friend, given ; 
Exalt thy nature while on earth, 

And reap reward in Heaven- 

WMu, m& WMt Ms it. 

Pure Friendship where, and what is it? 

From what great motive doth it S]Dring ? 
In my drear heart wnll it o"er dwell, 

And ihere, with all its pleasures cling? 
Oh! will it ne'er my soul inspire. 

With thoughts that cheer, and words that live ? 
Or must it thus so quick depart. 

And leave the Sling, w'hich scorn doth give? 
Help me, all whom these lines see, 
To solve, for e'er, this mystery I 



Amid the bliss of tranquil heav'n. 

Thy Husband now i.i peace doth dwell; . 
Why weep for one, whose happiness, 

Doth all that mind conceives, excel ? 
'Tis selfish thus to grieve for him. 

Who now can have but one carlh-'praycr, 
Which \5—T'iat thou wilt hasten on, 

To share his hliss, and rapture there ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 41 



§;0])$ Mil inU&» 

Prize then the present, grasp each joy 
That greets thee in thy early youth, 

Let no sad influence destroy, 

Thy early Hope, thy carhj Truth t 

When I am gone, oh ! sometimes givo 

A passing thought to me, 
For it were joy e'en thus to live 

In thy dear memory. 
Think of the mar.y peaceful hours, 

We have together past. 
Which were too holy for this earth, 

Too blissful long to last. 
Thus will I think of thee, dear friend, 
When fate our destinies shall rend. 



If fate would grant my dearest wish, 

'Mid this life of joy, and woe, 
I'd wish that Hope, might ever light 

Thy pathway here— below. 
I'd wish that Peace, would ever smile 

On thee — on thine — on all, 
Whom thy sweet smile, and winning grace, 

May constant round thee call ; 
I'd wish that when the trying hour, 

Of death approached thee nigh ; 
That Faith may mitigate thy woe, 

And soothe thy parting sigh I 



42 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



If man could know his better friend, 
By the extended hand, or pleasant smile, 
That oft his comin,^ greets, and parting seals, 
How blest would be his lot; but th.n, alas! 
This world is full of pleasant smiles,- 
And such fond fervent grasping hands, yet friends 
Are few, and e'en when found, too seldom prized^ 
Had I a frien I, in whom I could repose 
The secret working of my inmost soul, 
Whose high regard Td prize beyond all else, 
Whose joys I'd share, and of whose anguish I 
Could take a part, what inflae'jce of life, 
Could then, our blissful bondage rend ? 
Ah ! none. For to his breast I'd nestle close, 
And there reflect each smile that fitfal beam'd 
From his loved countenance: — his sigh soul-felt 
Would pierce my heart, and thus to life be giv'n. 
While close about us we would wrap the mantle 
Of undefiled aJSection pure, and so 
Unselfish, that we could on earth but know 
One inlcrest, one desire, and one design ; 
So on thro' life in harmony proceeding. 
Consoling each, and both self-sacrificing, 
'Till individuality distinct 
Had ceased to be by us e'en felt, or by 
Unthinking man discerned : thus to the grave 
With firm bold step, would we rejoicing wend 
Our way, hand link'd in hand, heart join'd with heart, 
And with the blest conviction satisfied. 
That Friendship such as our's, which had defied 
The subtle toils, and vain conceits of life. 
O'er death, as surely would iriumphanl he 1 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 43 

Knowledge means — constant labor^ 

If thou wouldst excel, 
In the higher attainments, 

Of wisdom's deep well : 
In thy thirst thus for knowledge, 

Hard labor will bring, 
The draughts cool and refreshing, 

From wisdom's clear spring. 

Wilt constant wear upon thy lip, 

For me — for me, love's trancing smile, 
Which from thy rosy mouth I'd sip, 

And thus our moments sweet beguile? 
Nay, hide not from my wistful gaze, 

Those pearls — those pearls in garnet set, 
For they but make thy winning smile, 

A heart-gem dearer to me yet ; 
Look up — look up, into mine eyes. 

Gaze deep within my 'raptured heart, 
Eead there — read there, the tender thought, 

Which human tongue can ne^er impart ! 

They tell me with a saddened smile, 

Disease will me consume. 
If I leave not thy fire-side, 

And thus Health's garb resume ; 
Yet sooner would I die — aye, here decay. 
Than seek some foreign clime, to pass away. 



44 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Oft do I search sweet mem'ry's tablets tbrough, 
To find of life, the moment most endeared, 

And oh ! believe me, — it is but thy due — 

That moment [place for name] with thee was shared : 

Thus thou, each joy my life hath known, might claim, 

When man says '' Rapture;' he but breathes thy name. 

law iwit ias^ei. 

Long years hare past, since first we met, 

'Mid life's gay festive band, 
And there with hearts unscathed by woe, 

Grasped each, the other's hand. 
Then ah ! what joy, what hallow'd hope, 

Made glad the sunlit way, 
That led from mid those scenes of youth, 

To the sorro^YS of to-day : 
Aye sorrows drear ! for when compared 

Is the Prescn', with the Fastj 
And judged are friends, now gone — forgot, 

My soul in gloom is cast ! 



As gently falls the morning dew, 

Upon the slumb'ring rose, 
To add fresh beauty to each leaf, 

And wake it from repose — ■ 
So may the cares of austere life, 

Fall lightly on thy Heart, 
And joy, like dew, from heav'n descend, 

*Fon iheCf where e'er thou art. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 45 



As close about thee Age entwines, 

Its drear and irksome toils; 
Oh ! may thy heart be light as now, 

Thy lips still wreath youth's smiles; 
Then death will lose its bitter sting, 

The grave its victory, 
While that which tears to others bring, 

Will bliss ensure to thee. 

Wilt share with me — wilt share with me, 

Fair maid, mine humble fate ? 
Ah ! if thou wilt, then full of bliss, 

Will be thy earthly state i 
Into thy heart I will infuse, 

Content without alloy. 
And 'twine about thy guileless brow, 

A wreath of deathless joy. 
Oh ! say then wilt — nay, look not sad, 

But place thy hand in mine, 
And / will fiu thy moments glad, 

With bliss, well-nigh divine I 



§t^Mxm. 



When I -depart, will 1 e'er find 
A home so loved as this ? 

Will i e'er find so soft a couch? 
So much domestic bliss ? 

Alas! I fear, it will ne'er be my lot. 

To find abroad SO endeared a cot. 



40 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



The tear-drops of Sympathy, 
From thy heart often flow, 

^Vhich tell me, that Friendship, 

Can abide in thy breast; 
So on me thy Friendship, 
And Sympathy bestow ; 

Then my grief will be joy, 

And my Life truly blest. 

I bow — I bow, oh ! sage most learned, 

Of letters, and of art, 
Yet all your wisdom, never taught 
You how to win a heart: 

Thro' musty page, 

1 11 dare engage, 
You never found one line, 

So full of truth, 

And grace of youth, 
As is my love, divine I 

Dauohter, may your years be many, 

Blest by Heaven's kindest care, 
May you know but little sorrow, 

And be yours' life's best of fare ; 
May your future years discover 

Bliss, before to you unknown ; 
May my love, when I've departed, 

Still 'lumine your bright hearthstone. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 47 



iiilt^iiltoi. 



Then mine the joyous duty is, - 

To dedicate in rhyme, 
This volume prized, tc you, dear friend, 

With all its gems sublime : 
No words of mine, can e'er convey 

A thought, the work to suit ; 
So I shall prove my sense, at lea^t. 

By frankly pleading — mute ! 

'Tis best to view in mind thy life. 
Recall its pleasures, pass each care : 

Thus from the bowl sip all the sweets, 
But leave the bitter dregs still there : 

Thon mayst at timos perforce recall 
Past momenlF whicli will make thee weep, 

Then of thy heart a cradle make, 
And rock t e babe R grct to sleep : 

Rock it to sleep — and smile again, 

For thus to sigh and weep is vain ! 

To thee, fair leaf, I would entrust, 

A secret though: for \_the name'' si heart ; 
Yet soon, perchance, thou'lt go abroad. 

And thus to all my thought impart i 
I fear to trust thee— yet, woulc say, — 

Should these crude lines, meet other eyes. 
That tho' I'm blest wi h many friends, 

None more than [the name ] do I prize. 



48 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Dear friend of mine :— wouldst happy be, 

On earth, where mis'ry dwells, 
And evil stalks abroad by day, 

And all that's vain excels ? 
Oh ! if thou wouldst, three words will teach 

Thee how, that bliss to find ; 
Lend me thine ear: — Those three words are, 

A pure, — contented, — mind ! 

^tmt iSEt %m Wul^ it. 

You ask advice : — that I will try to give, 
Prove that you take it, by the way you live. 
To be Agreeable, is not alone an art, 
But is a gift of nature, and the heart ; 
The gift of nature, is — to have a tongue, 
To suit the taste of those whom you among 
May ever chance be cast- — That of the heart, 
Seem ever to be phased, what e'er the part. 
You may be called to play in lifers drama. 
Be it with Sceptre— Pen^Ol Hammer ! 

A mother's smile doth constant hover. 

O'er thee like an angel guide, 
To protect thee from the errors, 

Which the course of youth betide. 
While a watchful father stretches. 

Forth his hand, to shield from harm ; 
Oh ! repay their care, dear Daughter, 

And relieve their love-alarm. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 49 



Oh ! tell me, wilt thou e'er forget 

Thy early friend ? 
Should fate present another form, 
With soul less true, and heart less warm, 

With thine to blend ? 
Oh I will I be forgotten when, 

Thy troubles flee ? 
When fortune crowns thy noble brow, 
And grief no more thy soul doth bow, 

Wilt think of me ? 

Thou art a statue — cold as stone — 

An image graven, which I prize. 
Yet dread to love, for fear thy heart, 

Instead of loving, may despise. 
So thought in sorrow turns from thee, 

To other scenes, where thou art not ; 
But oh ! I ne'er can thee forget, 

Though I, by thee, may be forgot. 

■ W%m WM iiito. 

I think of thee, when mind denies 

Its power to fulfil, 
I think of thee, when other thoughts 

Should sway my wayward will. 
Yet earth, and heaven, mind, and man. 

Can give to life no thought, 
In which thau dost not raise supreme. 

Or hast not some way wrought. 



50 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 

fife i^ Mml 

Seize thou each humble moment, 

E'er it doth fly, 
Least fortune with that moment, 

Passeth thee by : 
For one moment, thus wasted, 

Will never again 
Return, when most wanted, 

Whatever thy claim. 
Aye, e'en prize thou each second, 

Life is but short. 
Then with pleasure thou' It cherish. 

The good thou hast wrought. 

Let Friendship's might, for ever be. 
The bond, that binds thy heart, to me 

There is an hour, when the immortal soul. 

Turns sad and weary from the scenes of time, 
And soars beyond the body's base control. 

To muse upon the Hidden and Sublime, 
That hour is eve : — ^just as the sun's soft light, 

With splendor tints each summer fleecy cloud, 
When at the measured tread of coming night. 

All Nature seem^ in silent worship bow'd. 
For then, the soul is led to scan with care. 

Each hoar of pleasure, and each year of strife. 
To weigh each action, and each thought compare. 

And judge — Wkat claims for it Eternal Life I 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 51 



You ask me, fair one, to indite, 
For you a line — well, that is right, 
To it, I no objection mak^', 
Because, I know your heart would break, 
Should I, thus even intimate 
That I, this "Album-writing" hate ! 
Except — I now exception take — 
Except, it be for thy dear sake ! 
With this " preface," I'll now endeavor, 
To scribble something really clever. 
Now let me think : — what shall it be — 
A Wish ? — ah ! yes — but let me see, 
I am e'en now as much perplexed. 
As I above seemed, to be vexed, 
Because, forsooth, I cannot bring, 
My heart to wish a single thing, 
For single things I know you hate, 
Therefore, I wish you " Double Slate " 
To which each maiden must submit. 
And, so must you I — The line is *'writ.^' 



§mx WitL 



All that I prize — all I hold dear, 

Is centered love in you, 
Now that I claim you as my own. 

With heart so pure and true : 
What else need I now ask on earth ? — 

From Heaven claim as mine ? 
For all the purer gifts of both, 

In you, dear wife, combine ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



My heart to night is sad, dear one, 

My heart is sad to-night, 
And ev'ry thought is dark and drear ; 

Without the hallow'd light— 
Of thy loved presence, pure, serene. 
Life seems worthless — base — and mean. 



Though I'm a stranger to thee lady, 

Though thus unknown, I must remain, 
Still on my heart thy form is graven, 

And there, in majesty must reign ! 
Though thou canst never love the stranger, 

Though thy fair hand, he ne'er can claim, 
Still shall his heart cling to thee iiearer, 

And lov thee evermore, the same. 
But if, years hence, thou shouldst discover, 

Him whose love thou wouldst reject, 
Think then, of him, as a fond brother^ 

And let that thought^ our hearts connect I 

Oh ! when your heart is deep distressed. 

By circumstances dire ; 
Or when your spirit is oppressed. 

And evil doth conspire. 
To make your lot on earth seem drear, 

And thwart your best intent, 
Then come to me, and I will sooth. 

Your heart with sweet content ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 63 



When laying down at night to rest, 
With spirit light, or heart oppress' d, 
Give up thy sou tc silent prayer, 
Thy grief, ind joy, alike declare, 
To God the Father— Christ the Son— 
And Holy Ghost : — whose will be done I 

That man was made for happiness, 

All human kind believe ; 
But still, his bliss was not complete, 

Til , God, created Eve, 
And gave him her to share his joys. 

His grief help him to shun, 
Said God : — " I made you separate. 

Yet have designed you one. 
So, be thou, man, this woman's mate, 

Ee thou her guide, and stay ; 
She's weak, and fragile, fond, and true, 

More beautiful than day. 
I've giv'n thee blessings rich and rare. 

All from my realms above, 
Yet none exceeds, in worth, my last, 

Best gift ; — Pure womans^s love /" 

Thy joy shall be my only thought. 

Thy excellence my pride, 
Thy faith, for e'er, shall be my faith, 

If thou wilt be my bride. 



54 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



A tribute to thee, dear friend, I would pay, 

A memento of Friendship most dear ; 
I'd speali of the joys together we've known, 

I would speak of each hope, of each fear, — 
That gladden'd our souls, in moments noAV past, 

Or humbled our young hearts with woe. 
As the pathway of life we wearily trod, 

'Mid the friends, we have met here — below I 
I'd speak of the hours together we've spent, 

Around our " sweet home's " cheerful hearth ; 
I'd speak of the grief together we've known, 

And the tears to which grief giveth birth. 
What pea, or what tongue could ever relate. 

The sorrow together we've met ? 
But why pause thus now — why dwell on the sad, 

And thus our ev'ry heart- joy forget ? 
I'd speak of the blessings our Maker sent, 

Of the hope, which has cheered our dark way, 
While Trouble's stern brow upon us was bent, 

And chilled our young hearts with dismay ! 
But 'tis now, that my soul feels most sad, 

And my heart silent weeps in despair. 
To think that we're parted in life's latter day, 

And no joy now, nor sorrow can share ! 



Walt. 

If thou would'st be joyous and gay 

Seek not to penetrate, 
The vail before thee hung by God, 

On which is written — " Wait ! " 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



If thou hast a friend, by thee held most dear, 

Weigh every word lest thou mayst ofi'end ; 
Trust not to vain show, to wealth, nor to worth, 

But on vir/ue, and im/h, most depend, 
Thou mayst speak of his faults, in passionless voice 

May advise, or direct, or inform. 
But be careful thou go'st not abroad to proclaim 

The follies, which may Friendship deform. 

Wilt constant keep, in thy dark eyes, 

For me^for me, the light of truth 
Which I, dear one, must ever prize, 

Beyond the artless grace of youth ? 
Nay, blush not, love, because 1 tell 

To thee — to thee, my thought divinr, 
While rests thy head upon my breast. 

And clings thy throbbing form to mine. 
My thought, is that, 1 love thee now, 
More than the human tongue can how. 



^^^M\t^. 



Pretty coquette — charming coquette. 

Dost thou think with me to fool ? 
Dost thou think that 1 desire. 

Love cut out, and sold by rule ? 
Nay, I do not — soul distresses, 

For I do not deem thee worth, 
Half the risk that I'd be running, 

For a fancy piece of earth ! 



56 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



m»Mm iw iatft. 

Kindly grant, gracious heaven, 

In mercy supreme, 
Whence emanates every good, 

And all pure joys spring, — 
That fiom this fleeting hour, 

Of youth's gleesome morn, 
[The name's] life may be all sunshine, 

Unclouded by storm ! — 
That sweet flowers may gladden. 

Her path with their bloom, 
And drooping, weep fragrant tears 

Of regret, o'er her tomb. 



How soon the flowers of friendship bloom,. 

How quickly they decay : 
They seem the type of lasting life, 

Yet are, mere things of clay. 

Amid the sunlit days of youth, 

When hope, my heart doth screen, 
I ask thee. Lord, with sparkling eye. 

Pray keep my mem'ry green ; 
For then, I wish to fondly store, 

Each gladsome scene and face, 
I knew and loved in those sweet hours ; 

Let time, not them efface ! 
Let me, no cherished friend ncgled, 
Nor mind, their forms fail to reflect. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



May purity of purpose, 

And candor of heart, 
Prompt all who on these pages, 

Seek to ii.iipart, — 
Some fond word of endearment, 

Of love, or esteem, 
Which will gladden [ike naine^s'] soul, 

And make her eyes beam, — 
E'en when youth has departed, 

And life's care and guile, 
May have rob'd her of beauty, 

Giv'n a tear for each smile ! 

May charity prompt thy soul aright, 
When woe to thee addresses, 

Its suppliant cry, of anguish deep, 
Which some sad heart distresses. 



g^to0»itl0jj. 



Queer are the many ways of life, 
An J queer the busy throng, 

Who mingle in the noisy strife. 
Devising right, and wrong ; 
If this be true. 
Why then should you, 

Thus with the crowd go ever. 
When laws divine, 
Make thy place mine, 

And gained thy object — Never ? 



58 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



As man prepares the summer's garnered seed, 
With glad anticipations of the grain, 

So pen I now these lines, with the fond hope, 
That I hare toiled, and treasured noi in vain: 

That I may yet, be blessed with my reward — 

Thy friendship, and thy love, my soul's adored. 



Although I ne'er beheld thy charms. 

And do but know thy name — But still, 
I'll use a page, which I'll engage. 

With truth, and love, and joy, to fill. 
•* Oh, pshaw !" methinks I hear thee say, 

As on this leaf you gaze — Eut why. 
For doing this, should you insist, 

With virulence to pass it by ? 
For here I would express a wish. 

With promised hope to teem — But then, 
You might think light, of what I write, 

Or criticise my unskilled pen : — 
My wish is that, your heart may be, 
From every care, and sorrow free, 
'Till we each other's hand can shake, 
And I, another fond wish make. 

We may be friends in mind, and heart. 
Through correspondence — blessed art, — 
For space, which separates mankind, 
Can sever not, the heart, or mind. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 59 



I think of thee, at early dawD, 

And at the day's decline ; 
I think of thee, as mortal fair, 

As angel most divine : 
I think of thee, when other thoughts, 

Fail to engross my soul ; 
Which turns from all, again to Ihce, 

To woo thy sweet control. 



Oh I when my form lies still in death. 

Low in the tomb, 
Wilt e'er thy knee imprint the sod, 
Wilt drop a tear fur him who trod 

With thee, life's gloom ? 
Ah I test alone, dear friend, can solve 

That question right : 
Yet, oh ! believe me, time will show, 
My soul upon thee did bestow 

Its gem : — Good night ! 



Thou art a shadow on my heart, 

The sign of grief upon my brow ; 
Thy presence which once gave delight, 

The deepest sorrow yields me now : 
I strive to know thee as thou wert, 

So beautiful, and kind, and true. 
But mind, as oft with grief recalls, 

Thy parting words :—our last ''Adieu P 



60 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



I am your Jriend : 
Were I to write, from morn till dewy eve, 
And thus continue writing through all time, 
I never could say more — except, that I 
Too happy far shall ever be to prove. 
To thee how lasting is my just regard. 

Wilt yield to me — wilt yield to me. 

Fair maid the sweet delight, 
Which in thy heart I've found enshriLed, 

A jewel, pure and bright ? 
Oh ! to my keeping give the gem, 

Let me, its value test. 
And I will prove, that we may be 

By its refulgence blest : 
Its light sha'l lead, tho' there be gloom, 

Our feet along life's way. 
Thro' walks bedecked with vernal bloom, 

To heavn's eternal day ! 

As on this page my pen inscribes, 

A word of truth to thee ; 
So on a blank page of thy heart. 

Trace thou one thought of vie : 
There let it be, till death shall claim 

Thy form, by Beauty blest ; 
And when they lay thee in the tomb, 

With thee, there let it rest. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Gl 



Aye— Poetry is loved by me, — 

When from thy guileless heart ; 
For nothing else, could give to life, 

The love thou would 'st impart : 
But oh ! how weakened is its might, 

How meek, its promptings high, 
When likened to the eloquence, 

Of thy soul speaking eye ! 

Oh ! thou, my aching heart, subside 

Into thy wonted rest. 
Lay calm, e'en 'mid the troubles great, 

Which rend this wretched breast I 
So cry I oft, dear friend, in grief, 
And crying so, oft find relief, 

For firm resolve, my heart sustains, 
And thus o'er grief a triumph gains ! 

By my experience he taught, 
Then sorrow, will to thee be naught. 



i0<l& g«t i^ 



'Tis vain to sigh, when thou, no more. 
Can make or mar the bitter past ; 

It does but wound the vital core, 
And rend life's fragile thread at last. 

Oh! friend, if thou wouldst e'er enjoy 
Life's fitful sunlight, haste — awake ! 

Pause not, to cast one sad look back, 
Lest despair's storm should thee o'er take ! 



62 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



That which the reason fails to comprehend, 

'Tis profanation with that to contend ; 

It turns the brain, and leads to unknown wo, 

E'en then, thou learnest not, what thou wouldst know : 

So is my Friendship, far beyond the pow'r 

Of man, to fathom it, in life's short fleeting hour. 



Mid Eden's groves, once, Cupid strayed, 
To pluck a blushing flower, 
That bloomed unseen. 
Midst vines green, 
Twined o'er a sylvan bow'r: 
With trembling hand, he plucked aside 
The leaves, that clasterod round. 
When fi-oiB briars there. 
His small fiii^^rs fair, 
Received a gaLing wound. 
With cry of pain, ho quick withdrew 

His hand, and cried with ire ! — 
Hence-forth wherever beauty blooms, 
Mankind, shall find a briar ! 



itet Emu i^ ^ml 

Prate ye of Fortune, — Destiny, — or Fate, 
That either is, or can he, both deny ; 

But rest assured — be ye of Church or State — 
A pow'r, not thine, beneath your actions lie ! 

It gives to thee a Sceptre, or— a Hod, 

And fashions thus the man. That power, is God ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 63 



P.Icss rne, approving Heav'n — 
If of such blessing I e'er chance to stand 
In need — with that ecstatic sympathy, 
Which is so deep, and so exalted too, — 
When felt by faithful hearts in friendship joined, — 
That even Eloquence profluentsoon becomes, 
While in its presence loved — tongue-tied — ay, dumb, 
And compliance denies, when most desir'd 
To give emotion sad, to sound and me / 
In pity bless me with that sympathy, 
Which is of all most blest, which softly 'twines 
Affection's lovely arms about one's neck, 
And gently draws the aching grief-bowed head, 
Down 'pon a breast with anguish wild convulsed. 
And yet, forgetful of its own distress, 
Doth strive with smiles to lure our gloom away — 
Which calls into the sad imploring eye 
A gush of liquid grief, — an offering 
Supremely sacred, t f a guileless soul 
In the drear depths of love-shared woe o'er whelmed! 
Which t'lo' thus grieving, strives to hide ihe grief, 
And stifles, oft unheard, each new born sigh, 
So that it may no/urthcr wouwU by close 
Together pr. ssing Jier fond lips, and mine ! 

Ay, Her ! — 'tis said, and truly, too ; 
For so my heart, without reserve declares. 
And so experience — too dearly bought — 
Doth likewise prove, beyond the pale of doubt, 
That Woman doth alone possess the heart 
To pr,:inpt — the soul to share — the power to yield 
Those in affliction galling and profound. 
Such fjure and deathless sympathy. 



CI GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



iiwi; 0t fife. 

Life : — 'tis but a painted bauble, 

Of varied hue, like the rainbow's ray, 
Which gladdens, till the sun of life, 

Fades with the sad decline of day . 
'Tis but a light yet irksome thing, 

Why then need we desire to keep, 
That which such dreaded troubles bring 

And causes oft the heart to weep ! 



»0 Wmm. 

May heaven's brightest smile, 

Beam ever on thy soul, 
And cheer thy way thro' life. 

Thy ev'ry act control ; 
May Faith's influence sway. 

O'er thee its hallow'd pow'r. 
And soothe the cares of life, 

Which dawn with ev'ry hour. 

Oh ! would that I were dead and gone, 

Or that my love would die ; 
That deep within the silent tomb. 

Would I'est my love, and I : 
For then, I would not constant be. 

As now, so deep distrest, 
By that, which proved to be a cursCj 

When it no longer blest. 
As blest was I, when first love's light, 
Made all seem beautiful and bright. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 65 

I soon must bid to thee — "Adieu!" 

For many years, perchance for ever, 
But tho' I seek some distant clime, 

Time nor circumstance shall sever — 
One thought of thee, from my sad heart, 
While it doth throb — Adieu, we part. 

Dost remember the antique bower. 

Shaded by the fruitful vine, 
Where my arm with gentle pressure, 

'Eout thy waist did first entwine ? 
And the purple fruit we gathered, 

From amid the leaflets green, 
While thy voice in girlish laughter. 

Mingled music with the scene ? 
Cease ! heart of mine, thy frantic throl)bing. 

Regret no more — thy sighs are vain, 
Drear is thy lot — thy hopes arc blasted, 

No more in life to bloom again. 

And now, dear friend, that thou hast won, 

A husband, by the law, 
Which binds together genial hearts. 

Till time shall be no more ; 
See that it be, thy aim through life, 

Thy destiny to fill ; 
Let the same charms the lover jvon, 

Secure the husband still ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Deep is tlie shade of sadness round thee, 
No more art cheer 'd by Nature' s bloom ; 

Oh ! wake, sad heart, shako off the fetters, 
That clouds thy soul in deep'ning gloom ; 

Awake ! — awake ! — aye, now proclaim thy might, 

Dispel for e'er, the shades of sorrow's night ! 



Doth justice then exist on earth ? 

Still wield o'er man its holy pow'r ? 
Or did it die, e'en at its birth, 

With Purity, in Eden's Bower ? 
I fear it did : — my walk thro' life, 

Has ever failed to find it yet, 
'Tis vanished — gone ! 'tis but a dream, 

A dream, which leaves but deep regret ! 
No justice I, in man have found, 

His only guide is worldly pelf, 
And ev'ry sense of justice is 

Contained in one word : — Self! 



%%$ IWl %\ iltaw. 

'Tis well, at times, to scan the past, 

And mark the mystic work of mind. 
That thou mayst profit by the ills, 

"Which human joy, hath left behind ; 
But give thy heart, not to Regret, 

For it will only closer clasp, 
The shroud of gloom about thy soul, 

Thus mar the Present, by the Past ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 67 



Deign accept, esteemed Lady, 

This humiie token, 
Of "admiration sincere, 

And Friendship, unbroken : 
With delight overflowing. 

His then grateful heart, 
Will e'er cherish the rapture, 

Which acceptance impart. 

%$m mm i« ife. 

Your smile to me — your smile to me, 

Has proved beyond all worth ; 
Its light has cheered me 'mid the gloom, 

Which clouds man's course on earth , 
In you I've found a mine of good, 

Alloyed with little ill, 
Your love so constant, pure, and true, 

A universe might fill ! 
As filled has been — as filled has been, 

The cup, you early placed. 
With jeweled hand, to my glad lips. 

And smiling, hade me taste. 



Alas ! 'tis vain to bid me thus expel, 
All sad emotion from my breast, 

For how can one appear a child of joy, 
"With heart, like mine, so deep distress 'd? 

Nay Id not e'en one pang of grief destroy. 

What seemeth sorrow, is hut. sadden'd joy. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



As years pass by, still fainter will grow, 

The lines I here pen on this page, 
So will my step become faint and slow, 

With sickness, with care, and with age ; 
These lines will also tell of my youth 

In freshness, in vigor, in form, 
The black ink will resemble the clouds, 

That darken oft' life's brightest morn ; 
While the paper 'pon which they are pen'd. 

Will tell of my friendship for thee ; 
Though it may become embrown'd by age, 

Yet purer my friendship shall be : 
But as Time's blighting breath chills thy blood, 

And whitens thy locks as the snow, 
While with trembling finger he traces deep 

On thy brow, many lines of woe, — 
0! wilt thou think of me then as one, 

Most loved for the weakness of youth ? 
Or with age will thy knowledge of life. 

Confirm my pure friendship and Inith ? 



§0 Wm&tt ift0iiflftt. 

I ask thee not, to let the light 

Of love, delusive glance. 
From thy dear eyes, that once so fond, 

Wrap'd me in passion's trance : 
For me, let ne'er a tender thought. 

Thy snowy bosom swell. 
For I no more can be to thee 

What I was once : — Farewell! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



We all are mortal, and must pass 

From earth — where death doth ever blight, 
The brightest dreams of youth, and age, 

And makes life seem but a drear night. 
Here grief o'er us its mantle spreads, 

And bids us weep our hearts-well dry ; 
But 'tis that we may soon arouse 

From tears, to endless bliss on high. 



Dost think it kind, to lead some servile slave. 
For a short time, near to a dazz ling throne, 

And show him there the grandeur and delight, 
Which he, on earth, can never call his own? 

Dost think it kind — dost call such conduct right? 



'Tis said, I hate the hum of life, 
The endless toil. 
The constant strife. 
That marks man's busy way, 
Thro' shame and sin. 
Thro' noise and din. 
Allured by pelf's array : 
I love the quiet of my room, 
So like the silence of the tomb. 

Lit by a summer's sun ; 
There I can sit and read and think. 
Thus from the fount of wisdom drink. 
Until my course is run. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Hi^ ikil 

Your hand, dear friend : Our youth has fled, 

No more to bless again, 
The present yet may yield new joy. 

The past, need give no pain : 
What tho' each link in friendship's chain, 

Is rent, if you and I, 
Still faithful store the memory, 

Of griefs and joys past by ? 



§Dvt §miml 



The deep'ning crimson of the east, 

Fortells tho coming morn ; 
So speaks the blush, on maiden's cheek 

Of love, just newly born : 
I've seen the sun at summer time, 

In brilliant glory raise, 
But when, shall love's blush on thy cheek 

Meet my enrapiured gaze ? 



3^ §m$ ils 9mt, 

There is in Music that which draws. 

The inmost soul to heaven near, 
And breathes, in melody of sound, 

The sweeter bliss that waits us there ; 
V7ith pathos sweet, it fills the breast. 

When discord there would reign profound, 
Its dulcet strains soft touch the heart, 

And spreads a mystic halo 'round, 
So does fhy voice, delight my soul, 
And its emotions sweet control. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 71 



Alas ! I fear, I seek in vain, 

For that great joy, which heav'n gives 
To a'l, but mz — who ne'er can find 

A heart, in which true Friendship lives : 
My soul finds but a dreary waste. 

Where others genial spirits meet, 
Wilt help me find a Friend, fair one ; 

Or must I still, these words repeat ? 

Dear Sister, pray, tell me thy woe ; 

Why wear that look so sad ? 
And why doth sorrow seem to flow. 

From thy heart once so glad ? 
Come, dear, unburden now thy breast. 

To one who Jccls thy ffrirf, 
That he may thus new joy impart, — 

Thus give thy soul relief! 
Ay — in his confidence seek rest, 

PJace all thy trust in him, 
For he thy cup of happiness. 

Would fill e'en to the brim. 



^^\u\. 



How easy 'tis to be deceived. 

By love, — when doomed once our's ; 

Yet it bat needs the breath cf frost, 
To bli;;ht affection's fioM'rs. 

The hrcaik ojjrosi — now hero reflect, 

In books, is sometimes called — Neglect I 



^ 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



How pure ia Friendship, man-to man, 

Where friendship doth at all extend, 
Why then should not thy soul and mine, 

In that fond union holy blend ? 
Can we not break the subtile toils 

Designed by Hate, love to decoy, — 
To breed contention in our hearts, 

And thus all Friendship pure destroy ? 
In thought I hear thy answer friend, 

Yet bear it close within thy breast, 
Let it the wear of time withstand, 

Then to me be thy thought confcst. 
Of mine: — ^judge thou, when dreaded doath, 

My humble couch shall chance attend ; 
Then watch each throe that rends my heart, 

And then declare : — Ij Vm yourjricnd. 



Remember me, 
As I will thee. 



I'll think of thee, as convict thinks 

Of freedom, and of light, 
111 think of thee, as hero bold, 

Thinks of the coming fight ; 
For thou, dear friend, hast proved to me, 

My sunlight, and my hope, 
And 'mid life's battle arm'st my soul. 

With destiny to cope. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



^Yilt constant wear, lock'd in thy breast 

For me — for me, those germs of bliss, 
Which shall my wayward heart control, 

As sways me now, thy fragrant kiss ? 
Avert not thus thy timid glance, 

Not drop — nor drop thy queenly brow, 
For both thy worth to me enhance, 

And prompt me, love, to claim thee now ; 
I know thou wilt: — Ii needs no' " empty breath 

To tell me that thou wiLl be true iilL death. 



Oh ! I'm in a quandary, 

Pray, what shall I do ? 
I'm pining — I'm dying — 

For a love of a beau 1 
Yet, here I sit waiting, 

For some one to woo, 
'Till I'm out of all patience : 

Oh! what shall I do? 

If thou wouldst have thy friendship live, 

Which mankind proves, is born to die ; 
Let trouble never intervene, 

But make ye one, and thus pass by. 
Let each the other mirror self, 

And prize the joy the likeness gives — 
Ay, e'en yield up, what thou hold'st dear; 

For thus alone, pure Friendship lives. 



74 ^GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



fill i^ J»y iii«. 

Yes — I'm joyous, glad, and gleesome, 

Merry as a bright spring day, 
Burden not my heart with sorrow, 

Nor oppress my spirit gay, 
And I'll make ot earth a bower. 

Filled with vines, and blossoms bright, 
And I "11 make each spring-time shower. 
Which refreshes vine and flower, 

Eiit a new source of delight. 
All for thee 

In mind^ prepare thyself for cv'ry lot, 

That destiny may cast thee throughout life ; 

Non-preparation often leads to care. 

Whilst vreparation thwarts impending slrije. 

Come lay your head — come lay your head, 

Dear wifc, upon my breast, 
And hear the throbbing ot that heart, 

Which you, thro life have blest : 
Nay, weep not dear, because the scenes 

Of former years have past. 
We cannot hope that mortal joys, 

W II as immortal last. 
For they but live — for they but live. 

The creatures of a day. 
While bliss— such bliss as ours — we find. 

Is born, to live for aye I 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Oh ! Music tbou art sweet lo me, 

WliL3ii thy soul stirring strains, 
Low tremble on the ev'ning breeze, 

And thought with joy enchains , 
Yet dearer far, are the soft tones, 

Of thy voice to mine ear , 
So deep, and tender, are thy words, 

So loved, thy accentj clear ! 

Farewell, to cv'ry day and hour, 

Of more than human bliss, 
I've known with thee, since first my lips 

Beceived thy virgin kiss. 
My heart of hearts, to thee is closed, 

Each tender thought hath flown, 
I ask, no more— as once I did — 

To call thee all mine own ! 
I ask thee but to think of me, 

As one, in friendship true. 
Who would have died, to give thee life, 

And call thee his ; — Adieu / 

Oft startled gaze we on the sick'ning view, 
Presented to our shock 'd disordered sight, 

Of might prostrated — promise base, untrue, 

Which shrouds our souls, in sorrows fearful night, 

But soon, again, 'tis proven to our mind. 

That all is for the best — f.r good designed ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Oh ! what anguish now rendeth my heart, 

While thy suf ring dear friend I behold, 
Would that I could take from thee all 

Of the pain, thy convulsed features unfold. 
Yet thy spirit in mis'ry lies calm, 

In communion with Him who gave. 
Thee thy joys, as well as the strife, — 

Who can rescue thee still from the grave. 
So to Him now my prayers fervent raise, — 

And I feel that I pray not in vain, — 
Assured with the trust, that thou soon 

With Health's favor will be blest again ! 

Ah ! fair maiden you puzzle me, 
Most effectually muzzle me, 

With your keen cutting disdain, 
Oh I pray in mercy ensure me, 
That you will try to endure me, 

1^ coquetting, Miss, Isyour game! 

Oh ! let me die when flowers bloom. 

And fragrance fills the air ; 
When all seems beautiful and bright, 

And stiird is ev'ry care ; 
Th s would I pass from earth away. 

While loved friends cluster near, 
To soothe my heart to tranquil rest. 

And drop o'er my grave a tear ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 77 



3wut ''SUmmk^. 

When years have past, and thou, and I, 
Art bow'd by age, perhaps by care ; 

Remember then, each happy hour, 
That God permitted us to share. 

Life hath no memories so sweet, 

As those vouchsafed, when friends thus greet. 



To thee in Love, in Truth, and Joy, 

To thine, in Friendship pure, 
This Casket fair, I dedicate. 

May it, through time endure. 
Ah ! may each page in Truth receive^ 

A gem of Love and Joy, 
From those who know thy worth as I, 

Which time can ne'er destroy : 
And may each word in Friendship pen'd, 

Be as a fragrant flow'r ; 
Whose bloom will cheer thy stay on earth. 

And bless thy parting hour. 



When gently falls the autumn leaf. 

Upon the sterile ground, 
From branches once luxuriant. 

With sad- and mournful sound; — 
Then think of me ; for like the leaf, 

My spring of life is fled ; 
I soon must fall from life's estate, 

And lay me witk the dead. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Among the many joys that cheer, 

Our pathway here below, 
There's none so brightens ev'ry smile, 

So lightens ev'ry woe, 
As does the thought — / am esteemed 

By one, we know is true, 
Whose iwealth of worth, with pleasant things, 

Our life's long pathway strew : — 
Whose words of praise we strive to gain, 
By noble deeds — nor strive in vain. 



Among the blessings I would ask. 

Great God — of all my needs,— 
Give rae a friend, M-ith such pure love. 

And truth, which love exceeds : 
Alike a friend when skies are bright, 

A friend when, trouble nears ; 
With the same hand to clasp my joys. 

And dry my sorrowing tears. 



As sweeps the gentle summer's gale, 

O'er fields of budding flowers. 
And silently conveys the sweets. 

To other fields, and bowers : 
So love steals o'er the human heart. 

Each thought and sense delighting 
Until all nature seems a rose, 

With fragrance most inviting. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 79 



Oh ! Sickness ! thou torturer of life, 

Thou blight of youth's sunny day, 
Free thou from thy clutches of grief, 

Our sister of mis'ry — of clay ! 
Away with thy strifes, and thy cares, 

Thy moments of anguish, and pain ; 
Let health once more visit her form, 

And joy her sweet spirit reclaim ; 
Oh I why would'st thou thus linger near, 

Those whom from thy toils should be free ; 
Who should quaff of health's cup evermore, 

Unmingled with sorrow, or tkee i 

I ask but true judgment. 
Not a sigh of regret, 

Nor a tear to my mem'ry. 
But bid thee forget ! 



As soars the Eagle o'er the mount-top high, 

And breasts the howling blast, 
So let thy course be ever up, and on, 

"Excelsior," to the last! 
As meets his eye, the sun's bright rays, 

With fixed, unshrinking glance, 
So meet thou the fierce gaze of woe. 

And boldly thus advance • 
As he, his eyry gains — so thou thy goal, 
Where rests the body, and triumphs tiie soul 1 



80 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



ir0w WmL 

Thy Sympathy is my heart's greatest pleasure, 
My soul's sweetest balm, if to death it proves true ; 
It yields to my mind a store of rich treasure, 
And with gems of beauty ray pathway doth strew : 
It cheereth my heart, as the brightest spring day, 
In the midst of a grove, where the birds joyous sing ; 
As the crystal stream over the coral rocks play, 
Thy Sympathy, new joys to my heart constant bring. 

Among the ills, that oft' deluge 

With grief, the human heart. 
There's none that leaves so sad a wreck, 

When its fierce waves depart, — 
As does the thought ; — / am betrayed 

By one most dearly held, 
For whom the noblest hopes and love. 

Within the heart have swelled ! 
Such thought of me, dear friend, shall ne'er 
From thy fond heart, summon a tear. 

Time is, in truth, a store of wealth. 

In character diverse. 
You take it from the Maker's hand, 

A blessing or, v^.— curse ! 
It rests with you to right employ 

Its value, and amount, 
Yet in the end, God will demand 

Of yoUf a just account ! 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 81 



There is a hope that bids me live, 

That bids me persevere, 
And to my mind gives mental strength, 

Tho' to mine eye a— tear. 
An object loved — 'bove all endeared, 

To thought — to soul — to heart, 
Which gives me moments ot pure joy. 

Yet grief doth oft' impart : 
If thou that hope can e'er divine, 
I'll give (hce all, I claim as mine. 

Thy infaiit's earthly portion is but gone, 

Which thou can ne'er again caress, 
Though near thee her sweet influence still clings. 

Thy sleep to guard and bless. 
Ay, she would fill thy heart with visions glad. 

And soothe the aching of thy breast, 
Where oft' in innocence she slept, 

And often was so fondly prest. 
Weep then no more, and hush each sigh ; 
Prepare to meet — ** in bliss on high." 



Why walkest thou, dear friend, thro' life, 
As if stricken aghast with woe ? 

Art thou envolved in Troubles' strife. 
Which all must meet, and overthrow — 

Or be o'erthrown? God grant that thou, 

To such disaster, may ne'er bow ! 



1 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



They tell me I must leave thee, 

My own dear, sweet home ; 
But oh ! how it doth grieve me. 

Away from thee to roam ; 
What acute pangs now rend my breast, 
While muse I on this sad behest. 

iWtti i0t fit fk 

There is a time, when human hearts seem forced, 
Deep in the bosom— by some pow'r depressed, — 
When ev'ry moment of this life seems lost. 
And each pure thought, but as a sin confessed. 
At such a time think not, dear friend, of me, 
But ot me muse, when mind from gricj isjree. 

Man, thou art strong 'tis true, 
Yet thou art worse than infant, when compar'd 
With woman, and her intense pow'r to love :— » 
So love thou me ! 



Judge thou of my friendship, as it shall withstand, 

The trials, by circumstance wrought; 
For if in my heart, then, no friendship exists, 
Treteution will sink into naught , 

Jui3ge thou thus of thy friends, 

As about thee they draw, 
And low into thine ear. 
Their sweet pathos pour. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Oh ' now, my pen exert thy pow'f— 
Speak the emotions which devour 
My vital core ; — disgorge the stream 
Of burning words, which now doth teeiii 
Like molten lead within my heart, 
Whence the fierce fires of anguish dart. 
To blight the buds, that once did 'twine, 
And bathe in sweets this heart of mine I 
But now, alas ! all is immersed 
In galling thought, — I feel accursed ! 
Oh ! would that I could now extract 
Life's sweets, I'd ev'ry drop exact 
From scoffing fate, — or turn to thee^ 
Who art the light oj hope to me ! 

im ills #^1^^* 

Oh ! may it be thy joyous lot, 

To meet a heart as thine. 
So full of fond afifection sweet, 

So pure its love divine ; 
A heart to share thy ev'ry joy, 

And oi thy grief partake, 
One that will bear an age of woe^ 

For thy dear sake I 

'M %m, i»t Mtik, 

When thou, in youth art launched upon, 

The boist'rous sea of life ; 
Prepare thy soul for many a storm, 

And thy heart not for py^ but strije ! 



84 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Lord — when mine eyes are dimm'd by age, 

And low my form doth lean ; 
When cheek and broware marked with grief, 

Pray keep my mem'ry green : 
For then 'twill be my greatest joy, 

To calm review the past, 
And from it draw the ling 'ring sweets, 

Which Jriends have about it cast. 

Reflect ; — art thou prepared to die ? 

Oh 1 can thy soul withstand the test, 
Of agony — ot strife — of death, 

Whence wakes the soul to endless rest ? 
By such reflection we're prepared, 

To overcome all worldly ill: 
It teaches how, in life, or death. 

The Christianas duty to fulfil. 



But such sad fate, fair maid, 
Is not for thee in store ! Thy destiny 
Is such, as gods would not despise : is such, 
As seldom is the lot of love on earth •, 
Because thro' reason only could thy heart 
Be woo'd, and won ; because, such holy love 
As thine, is virtue's triumph over lust, — 
The union perfect of two soids, two hearts^ 
Two minds in one, which cannot but endure. 
And bless thee, evermore. 



GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 85 



Pajf ftjU^rH i0|f. 

Firm be the ties of faith, 

Which yields thee irust in Heav'n ; 
Sweet be the bonds of love, 

Which it, to thee, kath giv'n : 
Bright be the smile of Hope, 

When despair, dark, surrounds theej 
When evVj earthly joy hath fled, 

And mis'ry reigns around thee : 
May ev'ry earthly joy be thine, 

May peace and pleasure erer, 
Sway o'er thy soul their blissful might, 

And grief be thine— ah ! never I 

Sweet is the charm of your expression, 
And sweet the smile your lips doth give ; 

Chaste is the Grm in your possession. 
And happy he, for whom you live. 

Oh ! Life, thou art indeed a mystery. 

Involving all that's truly grand , 
Thy ev'ry moment, serves but to reveal 

The wisdom of Jehovah's hand : 
Yea— of thy griefs and joys I've deeply sipped; 

I've woo'd thy smiky and feared thy frown. 
And yet, my sadden 'd soui ne'er found relief. 

Until in prayer I knelt me down, 
And breathed, to thee, oh ! God above. 
My admiration, and my love ! 



86 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 



Jir^t §ow. 



When thee I first beheld, 
So beautiful and fair, 

My heart beat wild with joy, 
For love had nestled there 1 



^0 i$\iK 



Thine is the joyous morn of life, young friend, 

Go forth, give battle to the world ; 
Keep thou the Shield of Faith close to thy breast, 

As about in the strife thou'rt hurl'd I 
Let the Mace of Justice employ thy arm, 
To enforce right, and the unj' st disarm. 
Go forth, with Confidence close by thy side, 

Let not Circumstance stay thy glad haste, 
And secure smiling Hope, as thy best friend, 

With the Backler of Truth, clasp thy waist ; 
It will pluck from life its bitterest sting, 
And lead thee to Him, whence all pure joys spring. 
And Charity true, secrete in thybreast. 

Bear the green Leaf of Peace in thy hand. 
The first will e'er give to thy soul sweet rest. 

And the second Good-Will shall demand : 
Go lorth, with joy, my heart's best wish attend 
Thee ever, through Life's Battle, my young friend j 

Be zealous in a proper cause, 
The way thy heart directs thee ; 

Let Lought but good thy will perforce, 
Crush all that ill-effects thee I 











■■■-^i- 



\>i 



' ■'•■a 



M J,, - ■ 



X'3'.yJt-' 






■■Jifi. 













* 






?<i.< 



m- 



i 



f'^iM^^r^X 



'^*:-J 




& 



./'.^., 



.•?? 









VK 



.^ W^i'»^ 






>f4i^t^ 



■mh 



;i4i£e»sbL'::-i..^'^atiM^, 



